2011 NFL Season: Predicting Winners for Each Division

Predictions: you can't get enough of 'em. These are predictions for every division in both the AFC and NFC. 

Some are different than last season, some are the same and some are surprising. Take a look and let me know if you agree or disagree.

Here are some award predictions for the end of the season.

AFC East: New England Patriots

I was really tempted to go with the Jets on this one but I'll stick with New England. Its defense is suspect at times but the offense makes up for it. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Patriots sweep the Bills and Dolphins—plus they play the Raiders, Redskins and Broncos.

10 or 11 wins wouldn't be a surprise. 

AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are still churning and the Ravens are getting older. Roethlisberger has a talented, young receiving corps to throw to with Rashard "The Bulldozer" Mendenhall behind him. The defense speaks for itself.

AFC South: Indianapolis Colts

Let's not forget what happened the first time Mr. Manning missed an entire offseason and preseason. The Colts started out 3-4 and won their next nine games. Manning won another MVP and Indianapolis won the South and made the playoffs again.

Even if the perennial Pro Bowl quarterback misses two or three games, the Colts can still easily win the division.

AFC West: San Diego Chargers

This was probably the easiest pick in the AFC. The Chargers were a big disappointment in 2010, starting with Vincent Jackson's issues and culminating in their special teams play.

This year is different.

Jackson is back and has looked great in the preseason and the special teams look a heck of a lot better than last season. If Bob Sanders can stay healthy, San Diego possesses the best safety duo in the NFL.

It should win the division handily.

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys

This is a big risk, the riskiest of them all. I guess my main reason for picking Dallas over Philadelphia and New York is that I just have a hunch. Romo is healthy, Rob Ryan is primed to make the Cowboys defense relevant again and I have a feeling the Eagles are going to struggle. 

NFC North: Green Bay Packers

The Packers don't need to win their division to win the Super Bowl, as showcased last season, but they will win the South in 2011. Jermichael Finley will make the offense even more potent and the defense is still arguably the best in the league.

NFC South: Atlanta Falcons

I believe that either the Falcons, Saints or Buccaneers could realistically win this division in 2011, but I'm going with the Falcons. They have arguably the best QB, RB, WR trio in the league in Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White, not to mention tight end Tony Gonzalez and rookie wideout Julio Jones.

This is a relatively experienced team and it will play like it.

NFC West: St. Louis Rams

Despite the results, I really think the Rams were a better team than the Seahawks last season. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the Cardinals finished ahead of Seattle in 2011. Seattle might even finish last.

Anyway, the Rams have a dynamic offense and their defense isn't a pushover anymore. It doesn't hurt that they play in the weakest division in the NFL either.